Michael L. “Mac” McGarvey (69)

Grayville, IllinoisBirth: May 29, 1950Death: January 13, 2020

Michael Lynn “Mac” McGarvey, 69, of Grayville, Illinois, died Monday, January 13, 2020, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. He was born May 29, 1950, in Grayville, the son of William Raymond McGarvey, Sr., and Lola Jewel (Simmons) McGarvey.

Mac was a Unites States Marine Corps veteran and served in Vietnam as a radio operator. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and one Bronze Star. After his military service, Mac worked for the Veterans Administration as a supervisor of prosthetics. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Moose Lodge. Working in his yard, growing flowers and enjoying his deck were among his favorite pastimes.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother William Raymond McGarvey, II, sister and brother-in-law, Sandra Jane (Richard) Lee; and nephew Thomas Lynn McGarvey.

It was Mac’s wish to be cremated. A visitation and memorial service with military rites will be Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville. Visitation is 1-4 pm, and memorial service is at 4 pm. Burial at a later date will be in Ridge Cemetery near Grayville.

Mac was remarkable. A heart that was so kind. He taught me a lot about integrity…..and his humor was incredible. He always had time to sit and chat with you. And where ever he was his home was open to you for a visit. I remember the fun we had visiting him in Nashville on many occasions. We lost a true hero. My prayers go out to his family during this time of great loss.

My first adventure with Mike was when I was about a boy he took me out into the barn at the farm and helped me try and ride my first calf.I got bucked off and was embarrassed because I thought I could do it like he could.Mike was larger than life I was so proud of him when he came home from Vietnam.As a kid I didnt understand why the rest of the country didnt feel the same way.

There will never be another man like Mac. He helped make me who I am today. He taught me a lot about living life with a laugh no matter how crappy it got. He was such a good friend. Thank you Mac for including me in your life. I smile thinking that you can now watch over all the stuff I get in to and hopefully it continues to make you laugh. Love from ‘your miserable squat’.

AS cousins, my brothers, parents and myself visited as often as we could. My mom and Mike’s mom (Aunt Jewel) were sisters, We always had so much fun growing up, riding the horses, chasing farm animals, getting into scrapes! So many good memories. Mike & I always reminisced about our childhood when I went to visit him. I have so many cousins and sure love them all, it is sad to lose any of them, they are also friends!

Mac, you were more than a work colleague during our Nashville VA years. You were a trusted friend and confidant. And when the now famous Nashville Lower Broadway was just coming into its own in the 1990’s, you were the King or Lower Broad. So many young people coming to Nashville to make the big time looked to you to nurture them. You always had their back just as you did mine. And we had yours. Love you.

Mac was a great Marine, brave and calm under fire, always doing his duty. As his Company Commander I knew I could always depend on him. When I wished him well after putting him on the medevac chopper the day he lost his arm, I found myself thinking as the chopper took off and faded into the sky, “That is one brave Marine. We’re going to miss him.” Now I find myself thinking, “I hope and pray God will give us more young Americans like Mac. The kind who are there when we need them.
“Delta Three this is Six Actual
“Semper Fi, Mac!
“Six out.”
Delta Six Actual (Company Commander)

When Mike and David were really little, we would get to take them home with us for a few days. They were so much fun. Like more little brothers. Then when I moved to Grayville, they would sometimes spend the day with us. They were such fun. They taught my son Robbie how to whistle and blow bubbles with gum. We laughed so hard over that. We were in Japan when he was sent there, on his way home after loosing his arm. My Dad called Bruce at the base and told him to find Mike and find out if he needed anything and he would see he got it. I knew he would be okay when I ask if I could cut his steak up for him, he said, NO, I can do it myself. Stuck his fork in it and took a bite out of it. Loved him very much. All the wonderful comments and pictures, what a GREAT tribute to such a Special man

Mac had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. He was always one of my favorites to see at the chowder. He could give a hug better with one arm better than most with two. I didn’t realize the chowder was the last time I would get one of those. Man I will miss him!